NIMC database not breached – FG

The Federal Government has refuted claims that the National Identity Management Commission's (NIMC) database containing Nigerians' data has been breached by hackers. A circulating video on social media asserted a breach of the National Identification Number (NIN) database, but NIMC stated on Thursday that the claim is false and unfounded.

They dismissed it as recycled news from 2024, which has since been disclaimed. Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Commission at NIMC, emphasized that the NIDB has never been breached and that the Commission employs robust, multi-layered security to safeguard the personal data of all registered citizens and legal residents. NIMC criticized the spread of unverified claims, as these can mislead the public and induce unnecessary panic.

The government urged the public to disregard the video and seek information only from NIMC's official channels. Recently, NIMC introduced NIN Authentication (NINAuth), an advanced suite of services aimed at bolstering data security, safeguarding privacy, and simplifying access to government services. This platform offers a secure channel for integrating with the Commission's backend infrastructure, granting individuals greater control over their personal information.

NINAuth requires explicit consent from the NIN holder before sharing data for KYC processes or other verifications, thereby reinforcing transparency and user autonomy. NIMC reiterated its dedication to protecting the identity information of every Nigerian and legal resident, adhering to the recently signed NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.